So to some extent I agree, and as you said, they are surrounded by groups that want to destroy them. It's worth emphasising that Hamas ARE a terrorist organisation, whose stated goal is "to destroy Israel". Add in national service, media indoctrination, everyone at least indirectly knowing someone who's been harmed, and a government preying on these fears, and it's understandable.
I would say, that if after the events of the last 18 months, the same parties get voted in again at the next election, I'll have less sympathy (not none), as the atrocities have also been published in enough places that people should be aware. I just think that even in a democracy, it's important to separate the government and the people.